Vietnam and Japan Elevate Diplomatic Ties in Response to China’s Growing Assertiveness in Asia-Pacific

Vietnamese President Võ Văn Thưởng at a press conference with Japanese Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on November 26, 2023 where they discussed the elevation of bilateral ties between their two countries. Image via the Vietnam News Agency.

Vietnam added another major power to its growing list of top-tier diplomatic partners this week when President Võ Văn Thưởng announced the elevation of diplomatic ties with Japan to “Comprehensive Strategic Partnership” — Hanoi’s highest diplomatic status that puts Tokyo at the same level as China, the U.S., Russia, South Korea and India.

Thưởng made the announcement in Tokyo during a summit with Prime Minister Fumio Kishida on Monday to commemorate 50 years of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

  • Get a daily email packed with the latest China-Africa news and analysis.
  • Read exclusive insights on the key trends shaping China-Africa relations.
  • Full access to the News Feed that provides daily updates on Chinese engagement in Africa and throughout the Global South.

China, Africa and the Global South... find out what’s happening.

Subscribe today for unlimited access.

OR

Already a subscriber? Log in Click Here to Learn More
by Eric Olander

Most Read

1
Developing Countries’ Debt Servicing Costs to China Are Significant, but Nowhere Near as Much as Other Creditors
2 Chinese Military Fans Discuss Why Indonesia Bought Rafale Instead of J-10C
3
China, U.S. Ink Rare Earth Deal; More Trade Pacts Coming
4
Chinese-Moroccan Joint Venture Inaugurates EV Battery Parts Plant
5
Six Million Donkeys Slaughtered for Chinese Medicine: Charity
6
Rubio to Welcome Asian ‘Quad’ Back to Washington

You Might Like

Japan, Indian PMs Present Unified Front to Challenge China’s Expanding Influence in Asia

While most of the world’s attention was focused on Chinese President Xi Jinping’s talks in Moscow with Russian President Vladimir Putin, another critically important summit between the leaders of Japan and India also

Blinken Tries to Bolster Ties With Vietnam Amid Rising U.S. Tensions With China

Vietnam was again at the center of great power politics this weekend during a brief visit by U.S. Secretary of State Antony Blinken, his first trip to the country as Washington’s top diplomat. ...

G7 Leaders Wrap Hiroshima Summit With a Get Tough Message for China

The leaders of the world’s seven wealthiest industrial democracies closed their summit meeting in the Japanese city of Hiroshima on Saturday with a blunt message for China: stop causing trouble and play by the rules. ...

The Commercial Deals Cementing the U.S.-Vietnam Upgrade and China’s Response

A raft of deals announced during the weekend as part of the elevation of U.S.-Vietnam ties to a Comprehensive Strategic Partnership will take on Chinese influence in core areas, including technology and infrastructure. ...

What is The China-Global South Project?

Independent

The China-Global South Project is passionately independent, non-partisan and does not advocate for any country, company or culture.

News

A carefully curated selection of the day’s most important China-Global South stories. Updated 24 hours a day by human editors. No bots, no algorithms.

Analysis

Diverse, often unconventional insights from scholars, analysts, journalists and a variety of stakeholders in the China-Global South discourse.

Networking

A unique professional network of China-Africa scholars, analysts, journalists and other practioners from around the world.

More about CGSP